Vincent C LaGuardia, Jr. Composition Competition

 

 

The Arapahoe Philharmonic is pleased to announce that composer Edgar Girtain from New Jersey has won the inaugural Vincent C. LaGuardia, Jr. Composition Competition and will be named Composer-in-Residence of the Arapahoe Philharmonic for the 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 concert seasons. Read the PRESS RELEASE.

 

Edgar won with his work Isolation: Day 253 for soprano and orchestra based on input from the orchestra and audience in attendance at our August 12 open rehearsal. Purchase a perusal score for $0.99 here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edgar Girtain (b. 1988) is a composer and former sign maker native to New Jersey, currently living in New Brunswick. His compositional output is varied and includes a number of pieces for orchestra, voice, various chamber ensembles, film music, educational music and rarities like the glass harmonica. His music is frequently performed abroad as well as in the New York area, where he has been awarded numerous commissions and grants. His composition mentors have been Charles Fussell and Tarik O'Regan, the latter being his current teacher. Previously he studied with Steve Mackey, Paul Lansky, Jennifer Higdon and Dana Wilson, among others. A trombonist by trade, he frequently performs with opera orchestras and chamber ensembles in the New York area in addition to his teaching responsibilities at Rutgers. He enjoys chess, reading philosophy, long walks and wine. He earned a B.M. with high honors in music education from Rutgers, and is currently finishing a M.A. in composition.

 

Isolation: Day 253 will be performed on our November 7, 2014 concert. In the coming months you will hear more about Edgar's role as Composer-in-Residence with the AP.

 

 

 

The 2014 Composition Competition is now closed.

 

The Arapahoe Philharmonic of Denver, CO, in support of its ongoing mission to give recognition to young talent in the classical music field, announces its Inaugural Vincent C. LaGuardia, Jr. Composition Competition for 2014-2015.

 

This competition is for composers who are residents of the United States, are under the age of 35, and are not yet in the professional field. The winner will be named Composer-in-Residence with the Arapahoe Philharmonic for two seasons and the orchestra will premiere at least one composition each season on a Masterworks Concert.

 

The 90-member Arapahoe Philharmonic has been a valuable cultural asset in the Denver metropolitan area since 1953. In addition to its regular concert season, the orchestra offers many services to the community, including concerts for elementary school students, coaching students from area high schools, the T. Gordon Parks Collegiate Concerto Competition and the Vincent C. LaGuardia, Jr. Collegiate Conducting Competition.

 

To qualify, the composition must be no longer than 10 minutes in duration and must be for an orchestra not to exceed: 3-3-3-3 / 4-3-3-1 / strings, percussion (timpani + 3), one piano, one harp.

 

Application Process/Entry Submission

 

Applicants must submit:

 

• One PDF of a representative composition. No name or identifying marks, other than title, should be marked on the score.

• An mp3 recording (live or midi) may also be submitted. Include only the title of the work as it appears on the corresponding score.

• Application form.

• Scan of ID (Driver’s License or Passport) to confirm eligibility to apply.

• Resume and/or brief biography of no more than 250 words.

• $35.00 non-refundable processing fee.

 

All eligible entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. July 1st, 2014, and will be reviewed and judged without exception. No late entries will be accepted. No recordings or materials will be returned.

 

Three finalists’ works will be selected to advance to the final round consisting of an open rehearsal of the works on Tuesday, August 12, 2014, at approximately 8:30 p.m. Audience members will be invited to vote for their favorite composition and results will be considered alongside results from the competition judges and orchestra members. Composers of the selected works are invited, but not required, to attend this open rehearsal. The Arapahoe Philharmonic will not provide financial assistance or compensation for travel, lodging, or meals.

 

Arapahoe Philharmonic judges will select a winner from the submitted entries who meets the competition eligibility rules. Decisions of the judges are final. Applicants will be notified of the selected finalists by July 15, 2014, via email. His/her piece will be submitted for the final round of the competition: Open Rehearsal on August 12, 2014.

 

Competition Awards

 

The Winning Candidate will be named Composer-in-Residence with the Arapahoe Philharmonic for two seasons (2014-2015 and 2015-2016). At least one work will be premiered by the orchestra each season. Additional opportunities (master classes, workshops, etc.) can be discussed, but are not guaranteed.

 

The Arapahoe Philharmonic is able to provide minimal assistance to the Winning Candidate for his/her own expenses including travel, lodging, and meals, not to exceed $500 for use during the Masterwork’s Concert performance week. At the Winner’s request, housing/homestay can be arranged and provided.

 

Competition Eligibility Rules

 

1. The Competition is open to composers under 35 years of age as of July 1st, 2014.

2. Applicants must currently reside in the United States.

3. Applicants should be student composers and/or not regularly employed in the composition field, represented by a major editor or performed regularly by professional orchestras.

4. Entry in this competition constitutes the contestant's authorization to use his or her name, photographs, and biographical information for publicity purposes.

5. Entry in this competition constitutes that all licensing and rights for performance, audio and video recording of the submitted work is authorized with no financial liability to the Arapahoe Philharmonic.

6. The Arapahoe Philharmonic reserves the right to dismiss any applicant if his/her application is found to be ineligible or misleading in any way. Such disqualification may be made at any time, up to and including the date of the scheduled performance. A disqualified applicant will forfeit the residency experience, and no refund of fees or expenses will be given. The Arapahoe Philharmonic will have sole discretion to award the opportunity to an alternate candidate.

 

Competition First Place Winner's Obligations

 

1. The Winning Candidate will become Composer-in-Residence with the Arapahoe Philharmonic during the 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 concert seasons. At least one composition will be performed on each season. An audio recording of the composer’s works will be provided. These recordings become the property of the Arapahoe Philharmonic.

2. The Winning Candidate is required to attend rehearsals during the concert week involving composer’s works (Tuesday and Thursday evenings). Performance dates will be mutually agreed upon by Music Director and candidate.

3. A digital photograph of the Winning Candidate is requested for publicity purposes. This photograph must be free of duplication restrictions and at least 1MB in size or a minimum of 2” x 3” at 300 dpi.